Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes
PARADISE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 15, 2020
Call to Order
Chair Konrath called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Roll Call
Officials Present:
Gary Konrath - Chair John C. Prevoznik - Solicitor
Peter Gonze - Vice Chair Charles Unangst - Engineer
Reda Briglia - Supervisor Tina Transue - Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance
Konrath led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Public Comment Statement
Konrath read the public comment statement "Ladies and gentlemen, before the Board of Supervisors votes on any matter, the Board will allow for public comment on that particular item. If you wish to be heard at that time, please raise your hand, and you will be recognized."
Konrath stated that the meeting is being recorded for the limited purpose of preparing the official minutes.
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the June 1, 2020 Board of Supervisors regular business meeting minutes as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
New Business
Paradise Falls Lutheran Association Trout Habitat – Konrath stated that Jason Smith, Hanover Engineering was contacted by the Lutheran Association about designing a trout habitat for them. Jason Smith asked the Board if they had any reservations of Mr. Smith working with the Lutheran Association in creating a proposed design for the trout habitat. The Board felt that there was not a conflict of interest as there were no permits that would need to be issued by the Township in the design stage. Mr. Smith explained that if the design was implemented it would go to a contractor who would then apply to the Township for permits. Solicitor Prevoznik suggested having Jason Smith talk to the Township Zoning Officer Shawn McGlynn to confirm there would be no conflict of interest.
Treasurer’s Report
Transue read the Treasurer’s Report
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to approve the June 15 Treasurer’s Report.
Motion carried 3-0.
Work Session Items
Mt. Airy Greenway Monitoring Report – No further action taken.
Unfinished Business
Seasonal Laborers – Konrath stated that two seasonal laborers, Doug Leies and Kyle Roth, were hired at $17.00 per hour for up to forty hours per week with no benefits. The seasonal laborers started on June 8, 2020.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to ratify the hiring of two seasonal laborers at $17.00 per hour for up to forty hours per week with no benefits.
Motion carried 3-0.
BIU/Permit Manager – The Board discussed the letter received from BIU explaining the steps taken to address issues raised in a letter to BIU by the Board dated March 16, 2020. John Hudak from BIU listed the steps taken to integrate use of Permit Manager by BIU staff and the availability of BIU’s system for Township personnel to access.
PMREMS Additional Appropriations – The Board discussed whether the Township would be able to allocate additional appropriations to PMREMS. Konrath asked if the Township had received a request from PMREMS with a specific amount they are looking to receive.
Gonze explained that PMREMS is looking at the best way to calculate a reasonable amount of funds needed per Township to help cover the cost of the loss of revenue they experienced due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Gonze stated that a dollar amount per capita may be the fairest way to calculate the appropriation. Using the per capita formula, Paradise Township’s appropriation would be approximately $21,000.00. Gonze stated that he would relay back to PMREMS that Paradise Township would be ready and willing to contribute along with other municipalities to cover a portion of their shortfall due to the Pandemic.
New Business
False Alarm Letter from PSP – The Board discussed the letter received from the Pennsylvania State Police regarding 3 false alarms that were triggered by brief power outages in the area of the Township Building. Konrath asked Transue to forward a copy of the letter to Royal Security to make them aware of the false alarms that are being triggered.
Public Hearing-Proposed Ordinance #263
Motion: Konrath moved and seconded by Briglia to recess the regular meeting and open the public hearing for the proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 50, Burning, Outdoors, Ordinance #263.
Motion carried 3-0.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the purpose of Ordinance #263 is in regard to amending Chapter 50 of the Paradise Township Code of Ordinances.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the proposed ordinance was scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. Solicitor Prevoznik summarized the advertised public notice for proposed Ordinance #263 (See Exhibit 1). Solicitor Prevoznik asked Transue to summarize each of the exhibits. Solicitor Prevoznik submitted the following Township Exhibits:
T-1 – Proposed Ordinance #263.
T-2 – Public Notice.
T-3 – Proof of Public Notice from Pocono Record.
T-4 – Memo from Tina Transue, Secretary, stating that the proposed ordinance was delivered to the Monroe County Law Library, Pocono Record, and posted at the municipal building.
T-5 – Paradise Township Planning Commission minutes dated October 8, 2019.
T-6 – Paradise Township Planning Commission minutes dated December 10, 2019.
T-7 – Paradise Township Board of Supervisors minutes dated March 2, 2020.
T-8 – Paradise Township Board of Supervisors minutes dated May 4, 2020.
T-9 – Sign-In Sheet.
Solicitor Prevoznik explained to the Board that the proposed Ordinance #263 was not reviewed by the Monroe County Planning Commission as it is a non-Municipal Planning Code ordinance and does not need to be reviewed by the MCPC. Solicitor Prevoznik asked if the Board had any questions. The Board had no questions. Solicitor Prevoznik asked if any member of the public wished to discuss the Ordinance. No one participated or signed the sign-in sheet.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to move Exhibits 1 – 9 into the record.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to close the public hearing and reconvene the regular meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to adopt Ordinance #263 as advertised.
Motion carried 3-0.
Security System Upgrade Needed – Konrath stated that the Township received a proposal from Royal Security to replace 2 AT&T Cell/Internet Communicators for Vista Series Panels. Transue stated that she spoke to a representative from Royal Security and was told that the Communicators needed to be replaced because the will no longer work once 5G cell service was implemented.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the acquisition of the required equipment from Royal Security Services to upgrade the Township’s security capability to be compatible with 5G cell service. Two units need to be replaced at a cost of $195.00 each for a total cost of $390.00.
Motion carried 3-0.
Crack & Seal Coating & Line Painting Bid – The Board discussed the request by Mike Mader, Roadmaster to have the parking lots of the Township Municipal Building, Paradise Fire Co. Station, Paradise EMS Station and the Baseball Pavilion/Basketball Court cracks repaired and sealed and also have the lines repainted. Transue stated the last time it was done was in 2015. Briglia stated that she was unsure if this work was budgeted for this year. The Board suggested having Mader get an estimate to have the work done and table the discussion until the next meeting.
Public Hearing-Proposed Ordinance #264
Motion: Konrath moved and seconded by Gonze to recess the regular meeting and open the public hearing for the proposed ordinance to enact Chapter 63, False Alarms,
Ordinance #264.
Motion carried 3-0.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the purpose of Ordinance #264 is in regard to enacting Chapter 63, False Alarms into the Paradise Township Code of Ordinances.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the proposed ordinance was scheduled for tonight at 6:45 p.m. Solicitor Prevoznik summarized the advertised public notice for proposed Ordinance #264 (See Exhibit 2). Solicitor Prevoznik asked Transue to summarize each of the exhibits. Solicitor Prevoznik submitted the following Township Exhibits:
T-1 – Proposed Ordinance #264.
T-2 – Public Notice.
T-3 – Proof of Public Notice from Pocono Record.
T-4 – Memo from Tina Transue, Secretary, stating that the proposed ordinance was delivered to the Monroe County Planning Commission, Monroe County Law Library, Pocono Record, and posted at the municipal building.
T-5 – Paradise Township Board of Supervisors minutes dated February 3, 2020.
T-6 – Paradise Township Board of Supervisors minutes dated March 2, 2020.
T-7 – Paradise Township Board of Supervisors minutes dated May 4, 2020.
T-8 – Paradise Township Planning Commission minutes dated February 11, 2020.
T-9 – Monroe County Conservation District review dated February 20, 2020.
T-10 - Sign-in Sheet.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the Paradise Township Planning Commission did not act on the proposed Ordinance #264 in order to recommend enactment.
Solicitor Prevoznik also stated that it is a non-Municipal Planning Code ordinance and does not need to be recommended for enactment by the Paradise Township Planning Commission. Solicitor Prevoznik asked if the Board had any questions. The Board had no questions. Solicitor Prevoznik asked if any member of the public wished to discuss the Ordinance. No one participated or signed the sign-in sheet.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to move Exhibits 1 – 10 into the record.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to close the public hearing and reconvene the regular meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to adopt Ordinance #264 as advertised.
Motion carried 3-0.
New Business (Continued)
Ellen Gnandt, 2019 Audit – Solicitor Prevoznik summarized his comments on the changes Ms. Gnandt made in her audit correspondence. The Board discussed the changes and made recommendations on further changes to be discussed with Ms. Gnandt. Solicitor Prevoznik will contact Ms. Gnandt about the Board’s proposed changes.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to approve the 2019 Audit contingent on Ms. Gnandt making the changes discussed by the Board.
Motion carried 3-0.
Compliance Audit Letter/Mt. Pocono Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Assoc. – The Board discussed the letter received from the Commonwealth of PA, Dept. of the Auditor General in regards to the Mt. Pocono Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association Audit.
Planning Commission Items
Animal Husbandry – The Board discussed the proposed Animal Husbandry Ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission. The Board will send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission with the suggestion of changing the definition of Fowl and Small Animals to “Rabbits, pot belly pigs, chickens excluding roosters, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, and pigeons.” instead of “Rabbits, pot belly pigs, chickens, roosters, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, and pigeons.”. The Board is also recommending only allowing breeding of any of the animals listed in the definitions on parcels that are 3 acres or larger. Mr. Unangst will take the Board suggestions back to the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission Project Priorities and Status – Mr. Unangst stated that the Planning Commission created the report to make the Board aware of what they deemed a priority to move forward with and was also looking for feedback from the Board as to their thoughts. Gonze stated that the Board had planned on meeting again with the Planning Commission and the Cohen Law Group before the COVID-19 stay at home order as outlined as the number one priority. Gonze to attend the next Planning Commission meeting to discuss setting up a meeting with the Cohen Law Group and whether they felt that the Board should be present for that conversation.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to approve the Planning Commission meeting with Cohen Law Group via telephone conference if deemed necessary after Gonze meets with the Planning Commission to discuss.
Motion carried 3-0.
Gonze stated that it was his belief that the Township Zoning Officer Shawn McGlynn was satisfied with the Short Term Rentals Ordinance however there were several subjects the Board had talked about in the past to enhance the Ordinance. Briglia stated that Solicitor Prevoznik had previously supplied the Board with a copy of the Property Maintenance Code as a guide to possible additional requirements to the ordinance. Solicitor Prevoznik stated that if the Property Maintenance Code were to be incorporated into the ordinance that it would need to be determined as to what year of the code would be used. The Board also discussed whether to include in the Short Term Rental requirements an insurance policy with a designated minimum amount. The Board will discuss the possible changes/additions to the Short Term Rental Ordinance at a work session on June 29, 2020.
The Board discussed how to move forward with the Township’s Comprehensive Plan. The Board would like the Planning Commission to look at the Comprehensive Plan to decide what the Planning Commission would like to see in reference to changing the business zones or keeping them as they are and then the Board would meet with the Planning Commission to further discuss the Comprehensive Plan.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that he is working on the Nuisance Vehicle Ordinance to forward to the Planning Commission. The Board discussed whether an unlicensed/unregistered vehicle could be used to plow a resident’s driveway.
Gonze stated that the Planning Commission would like the Zoning Officer to review a draft Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to authorize the Planning Commission to speak to the Zoning Officer, Shawn McGlynn about the draft Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Motion carried 3-0.
Reports
Solicitor – Solicitor Prevoznik stated that with Board approval he would start working on the Developer’s Agreement and the Stormwater Agreement for Tarpon Towers and reviewing their Performance Bond.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to authorize Solicitor Prevoznik to review Tarpon Tower’s Developer’s Agreement, Stormwater Agreement and Performance Bond.
Motion carried 3-0.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that Attorney Wolfe requested a copy of the Buffer Ordinance report/peer review. Briglia stated that she had looked for them for the Zoning Officer and she would ask the Zoning Officer for the file she gave to him and will forward to Solicitor Prevoznik.
Engineer – Mr. Unangst stated that the Lehigh Valley Interior Construction will be starting construction on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 on the foyer in the Municipal Building.
Correspondence/Miscellaneous
Gonze stated that he was contacted by the Mount Pocono Ecumenical Hunger Ministry - Food Pantry explaining that they were overwhelmed with donations for the Food Pantry and a truck was donated to them to house perishable foods however they were in need of a place to park the refrigeration truck. Gonze asked if anyone knew of somewhere the Food Pantry could park the truck. The Board discussed several options that may be viable locations and Gonze will forward the information to the Food Pantry.
Other Business/Public Comment
Konrath stated that he was contacted by Robert Wilson, Price Township Supervisor, asking Paradise Township to cut down a rope swing tied to a tree on the Paradise Price Preserve on the Paradise side of the Brodhead Creek due to insurance concerns.
Konrath asked if the Township wanted to consider replacing/removing the workout stations at Skywood Park that were originally installed by the Girl Scouts. Briglia stated that PARC also discussed replacing/removing the workout stations. The Board discussed using the seasonal laborers to refurbish or replace the stations. The time spent by the seasonal laborers would be paid by Paradise Township not paid from the Open Space Fund. Konrath stated that he would look into what it would cost to refurbish or replace the workout stations by the next Board meeting.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to authorize the use of the seasonal laborers to refurbish or replace the workout stations at Skywood Park under the guidance of Konrath. Paradise Township would pay the wages of the laborers while they are working on this project out of the general fund as opposed to the Open Space Fund.
Motion carried 3-0.
Adjournment
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina Transue
Secretary